Tiara Thomas: Mary Jane

A quick click online yields this succinct definition of the word original: “Not dependent on other people’s ideas; inventive and unusual.” For those seeking the musical equivalent of that, you need look no further than Tiara Thomas. Thomas first vaulted into national consciousness in 2013 when she co-wrote, co-produced and appeared on Wale’s hit single “Bad.” Now the multi-talented newcomer—singer, rapper, songwriter, musician, producer—brings that formidable skill set to the forefront on her Division 1/Interscope Geffen A&M debut album The Bad Influence. Leading the charge: the project’s feisty first single “One Night.”

Produced by Division 1 chief and Grammy Award-winning songwriter/producer Rico Love, the feel-good “One Night” relates a story about woman who knows exactly what she wants. As Thomas sings and raps emphatically against a throbbing beat, “… All girls ain’t after your money / All girls ain’t even looking for love / And sometimes good girls get lonely / They want something money can’t buy / Don’t want the rest of your life / Just one night.” “I’m an advocate for female liberation,” says Thomas of the song’s inspiration. “Guys can say whatever they want. I say what I want. I know a lot of women think about the things I’m talking about, yet maybe they’re too scared to say it themselves. But I’m all about speaking my mind.”

Tiara Thomas: Mary Jane

The Indianapolis native, singer/songwriter Tiara Thomas is back with a new track. Thomas’ work caught the attention of songwriter/producer Love (Beyoncé, Usher), who made her the first signing on his Division 1 label. The pair’s debut collaboration was the 2013 EP Dear Sallie Mae, a tongue-in-cheek reference to Thomas’ college experiences. In addition to Love, The Bad Influence features production by rising newcomer Swag and Thomas herself. She also wrote and recorded most of the album—in her PJ’s—in a little studio at her Miami home. “It was cool,” says Thomas. “The mic was set up maybe ten feet away from my bed and I just laid there listening to tracks.”

Tiara Thomas: Mary Jane

While that may sound quirky to some, it ultimately speaks volumes about Tiara Thomas and how she wants to define herself musically: an original who comes with no strings attached. “The only way I can do this and be happy is to make the music I want to do,” she declares. “Or else you’re just a puppet.”